Arts & Sciences
The Importance of Arts and Sciences at River
At River, the Arts & Sciences are essential—not “extras.” In River’s progressive model, children learn by exploring, creating, questioning and expressing themselves. River’s robust Arts & Sciences program is designed to spark curiosity and deepen understanding by inviting students to make meaningful connections with their minds, bodies and voices. Whether investigating a scientific phenomenon, rehearsing a dramatic performance, building in the Maker Spaces, or meeting a new author in Library Sciences, the children are challenged to collaborate, innovate and develop flexible thinking. They develop strong relationships with a group of passionate, creative specialists in the different arts and sciences disciplines.
Science and Maker Space
The Science program fosters inquiry, critical thinking and an understanding of the natural world. Through hands-on investigations, design challenges and real-world connections, River students learn to observe, hypothesize, experiment and communicate scientific ideas. These experiences deepen foundational science concepts while cultivating habits of mind essential for future learning including curiosity, resilience and a sense of wonder.
River’s Maker Space enhances STEAM learning by giving students a place to design, build, tinker and solve problems creatively. Children use a range of tools, from LEGO robotics and construction sets to design software, digital media tools and 3D printers, to bring ideas to life. Large-scale building materials on our Playgrounds and in the Gym expand opportunities for imaginative engineering and collaborative play.
Music
Our Music program nurtures children’s natural curiosity about sound, rhythm and expression. Students engage in singing, movement, storytelling and instrument exploration while learning foundational concepts such as pitch, rhythm, dynamics and musical form. Materials draw from folk traditions, seasonal themes, global music and contemporary children’s songs. As they grow, the children experiment with more complex compositions and, in Upper Elementary, begin learning instruments as part of their developing musical identity.
Library Sciences
Library Sciences support literacy development and research skills. Our students engage with diverse literature (River’s Library has 10,000+ titles!), learn how to locate and evaluate information, understand the different genres and enjoy author visits throughout the year. Our Library Sciences teacher helps build the classrooms’ dynamic thematic libraries, manages an annual Book Fair and works with the Upper Elementary students to curate their own book collections. Library class starting in Kindergarten helps children build foundational media literacy and inspires a lifelong love of reading.
Physical Education
Our Physical Education program promotes an understanding of fitness, teamwork and healthy habits. Children practice motor skills, learn the rules of games and develop sportsmanship in an atmosphere of encouragement, cooperation and most importantly, fun. PE takes place in our well-equipped Gym, nearby outdoor fields starting in PreK, and our three developmentally appropriate Playgrounds. Upper Elementary students also participate in interscholastic sports, including soccer, basketball and track & field.
Visual Arts
Our Visual Arts program helps children develop aesthetic awareness, cultural understanding and creative confidence. Students explore the elements and principles of art through hands-on, process-oriented activities using a wide range of media. With thoughtful instruction and developmentally appropriate experiences, young artists build vocabulary, practice expressive skills and learn to work independently and collaboratively. Artwork is displayed throughout the school as a celebration of children’s ideas, effort and growth.
Drama and Creative Movement
Drama gives children a joyful space to express ideas and emotions through storytelling, movement, mime, puppetry, spoken word and music. These experiences stretch imagination, build vocabulary and strengthen social-emotional growth as students learn to understand themselves and others. Creative Movement extends this work through physical awareness, mindfulness and gratitude practices that support children in recognizing their mind–body connection. In Elementary and Upper Elementary, students experience the pride and challenge of preparing and performing live productions for the River community.